In 1803 Beethoven wrote his Third Symphony and, as is widely known, it was originally in honour of Napoleon Bonaparte. Yet it was published three years later with a dedication to Beethoven’s patron Prince Lobkowitz as well as with the addition “Sinfonia Eroica” in memory of a “grand Uomo”. This presumably – reflecting the changed political situation – referred to the Prussian Prince Louis Ferdinand who died on the battlefield against Napoleon.

Based on the musical text of the Beethoven Complete Edition and with a preface by the editor Bathia Churgin, Beethoven’s famous heroic symphony is now available as a Henle pocket score.